It is said that every pregnancy is different and, from my experience, I most definitely agree.
My first pregnancy was an absolute breeze; I had no symptoms whatsoever apart from my growing belly. I glowed through all three trimesters, enjoyed being made a fuss of and embraced my weight gain – all four stone three pounds of it.
My second pregnancy was a different story altogether. It started with severe morning sickness, which was superseded by heartburn and SPD. I then developed varicose veins and suffered from chronic insomnia. Running around after my two year old left me extra exhausted. To top it all off I was huge. GINORMOUS in fact. Despite only putting on half the weight that I gained first time round, my bump was twice the size. I got asked ‘are you sure there’s only one in there?’ more times than I care to remember. Overall I felt pretty wretched, both emotionally and physically.
My approach to style was also completely different with each pregnancy.
Pre-children I was fashion obsessed and thought maternity clothes were boring and middle aged and swore I’d never wear them. When I fell pregnant for the first time I lived in leggings and smock tops, both of which were on trend at the time, and which were just so EASY. I carried on shopping in my favourite high street shops and when I couldn’t squeeze into my regular clothes anymore I just bought the same ones in bigger sizes. I was uncomfortable, yes, and, let’s be honest here, there is nothing flattering about wearing clothes that are too big for you in some places and tight in others. I wasn’t happy with the way I looked but I WAS GROWING A BABY! – and I just couldn’t see the point in buying clothes that would only last six months. When I eventually saw the light and realised that maternity wear really was the way forward, I was 35 weeks pregnant and it was pretty much too late.
Second time round I decided to put together a full maternity wardrobe even before I got my positive pregnancy test. I didn’t want to look like a frump again and decided I would show off my bump with well fitting, stylish clothes and make myself feel glamorous and womanly.
When I found out I was pregnant, I spent an evening on the laptop browsing online maternity stores and discovered Séraphine. Stylish and affordable maternity wear that I had no idea existed! I then went on the shopping spree to end all shopping sprees and invested in everything, from underwear to every day jeans, t-shirts and knitwear – and even a cocktail dress. I didn’t spend a small fortune either, although I would have done quite happily and could have done quite easily. A couple of hundred pounds was a small price to pay for nine months plus of happiness, confidence and comfort as far as I was concerned.
And I was right. Some days, especially when sleep deprivation had got the better of me, it would have been all too easy to just stay in my pyjamas and feel sorry for myself. But wallowing in self-pity makes you feel ten times worse. Getting up and about, looking after yourself and making sure you’re comfortable really does make a difference. And if you’re looking a million dollars at the same time, that’s even better!
My top picks:
1. Comfy, over the bump straight leg jeans are a maternity essential.
2. Black tie front maternity blazer is smart and stylish – a must for all working mamas-to-be.
3. Nursing jumper is great for the later stages of pregnancy, as well as nursing.
4. Two tone body-con cocktail dress is the ULTIMATE date night dress, so glamorous!
5. Pink/Mocha nursing bra, because nursing underwear can be sexy too!
Katy is mum to two girls; Daisy, aged three, and Evie, three months. She loves food, fashion, festivals and photography (even though that doesn’t begin with an F) and blogs at www.modernmummy.co.uk
Follow Katy on Twitter @ModernMummyUK